More than 20 delicious and healthy tofu recipes await you! Including everything from noodles, stir fries, and salads to tacos, sandwiches, fried rice and so much MORE!
Tofu is an important ingredient for those who lead a meat-free lifestyle. It’s a great source of plant-protein, cooks quickly, and readily soaks up flavors. All of these reasons make tofu a weeknight dinner hero—all types of eaters welcome.
Types of Tofu and Their Uses
No matter the method, to get cooking with tofu you need to drain all excess liquid and pat the cube dry. There are different forms of tofu including silken tofu, medium tofu, firm, extra-firm, tofu skins, fermented tofu. We’ll briefly cover how to use each kind, but check out this article for more in-depth info on the different types of tofu, how to prep and how to cook them.
- Soft/Silken tofu is delicate in both texture and flavor and is commonly used in sauces, creams, dressings, even baking and smoothies.
- Medium tofu is a mix between silken and firm and is commonly utilized in stir-fries, grilled dishes and miso soup.
- Firm tofu is an easy meat alternative because it holds its shape well and is commonly carried in most major grocery stores. It’s a great alternative for chicken because of its texture and ability to take on any and all seasonings you can imagine.
- Extra-firm tofu contains one of the tightest packed curds and is slightly chewy in texture. Extra-firm tofu is great in veggie scrambles (egg alternative), fried rice, stir frys, and sandwiches.
- Tofu skins are pre-cooked and ready to consume. They are commonly used in cold Asian salads, quick stir-fries and even bok choy.
- Fermented tofu or Chao is essentially tofu left to ferment for a month or more, brined and then soaked in any number of sauces and seasonings but most commonly rice wine, chilis or red bean curd. Use fermented tofu in dipping sauces, served over rice, in soups, and as a condiment.
How to Cook and Eat Raw Tofu
Eating soft/silken tofu raw is super easy to do! Simply remove from the package, drain, pat dry and mix into your favorite smoothie, salad dressing, or enjoy on it’s own with a little soy sauce and sesame oil. Soft silken tofu is also a common ingredient in vegan puddings and mousses. Although any tofu can be consumed raw, soft/silken tofu contains the easiest texture to digest on its own.
How to Bake Tofu
Baking is a quick and easy method for making crispy tofu. As is the case with all kinds of tofu, it’s important to drain and dry well. To do this, slice the large block of tofu into thinner planks and sandwich them between two clean paper towels set on a baking sheet or plate. Set another baking sheet or plate on top and weigh it down with something heavy (like a Dutch oven or large cans). Let the tofu press for at least 10 minutes; replacing paper towels once.
Once the excess moisture is thoroughly absorbed (this will take 10–15 minutes) cut the tofu to desired sizes before tossing with your preferred sauce or 1–2 tablespoon oil, 3-5 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot starch, salt and pepper. Arrange in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400ºF for 25–30 minutes. Enjoy the crisp oven as is with your favorite dipping sauce, in fried rice, Asian noodles, salads, and more.
How to Pan-Fry
Pan-frying tofu is one of our favorite methods. Drain, dry and press the tofu as explained above. Preheat grapeseed oil or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimming. Toss tofu pieces desired sauce or spice mixture and 3–5 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot starch. Add tofu to hot oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on each side and crispy, about 10 minutes.
23 Delicious & Healthy Tofu Recipes
Vegan Fried Rice with Tofu
vegan-friendly, vegetarian-friendly
One of my personal favorites is this Tofu Fried Rice and although it doesn’t call for meat, you can easily sub out the tofu with pork, chicken, all veggies, or almost anything you can think of. This one calls for brown rice, but you can just as easily use quinoa which will increase the protein of this vegetarian meal!
Vegan Korean Tofu Lettuce Wraps
30-Minutes, Vegan, Gluten-free
The vegan lettuce wrap filling features crispy Korean tofu and fresh bites of cucumber. To round out all of the flavors, top each lettuce wrap with quick-pickled carrots
Tofu Tikka Masala
Vegetarian, gluten-free
The ultimate healthy comfort food! Crispy, spiced tofu gets coated in a creamy coconut sauce then piled over rice with loads of cilantro.
Tofu Banh Mi
vegetarian, vegan, 35-minutes
Vegan Tofu Banh Mi is the veggie-friendly version of traditional pork banh mi.
Crispy Vegan Tofu Noodles with Pickled Cucumbers
vegetarian, vegan, 40 minutes
A spicy noodle dish featuring a simple blender sauce and crispy fried tofu.
How to Make Crispy Tofu
vegan, gluten-free, 30 minutes
Your foolproof method for acheiving crispy fried tofu. You'll want to bookmark this recipe!
Saucy Korean Tofu with Pork and Vegetables
40-minutes, one-pan, gluten-free
This Korean-inspired Pork and Tofu is loaded with texture and savory flavors. The ultimate one-pan meal!
Crispy Tofu Tacos with Asian Pear Slaw
vegetarian
Who said taco Tuesday was just for the omnivores? With this recipe for Crispy Tofu Tacos with Asian Pear Slaw, everyone can get in on the fun and even non-meat eaters will enjoy! These Asian-inspired crispy tofu tacos are spiced with cardamom, ginger and white pepper—simple but powerful.
Asian Brown Rice & Tofu Buddha Bowl
vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free
One-bowl meals are always a favorite of ours due to the simplicity and portability. And this recipe that Lauren developed for Cuisine At Home magazine is no exception. Asian Brown Rice & Tofu Buddha Bowls With Shiitakes is an easy way to mix and match whatever veggies you have on hand to go atop a bowl of fiber-rich brown rice.
Chimichurri Tofu Steaks
vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, 25-minutes
Vegan-friendly steak? Yes! Planks of marinated firm tofu get seared until charred and topped with a bright and tangy chimichurri sauce. Lauren developed this recipe for Cuisine at Home magazine and it's become a fan-favorite. Tofu can quickly and easily be transformed into a delectable meal.
Spicy Sesame Zoodles with Crispy Tofu
vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free (us GF soy sauce), 25-minutes
An easy and healthy zoodle recipe made with pantry ingredients. The crispy tofu is what makes this recipe weeknight perfection.
Best Ever Air Fryer Tofu
vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, 20-minutes, 6-ingredients
A simple seasoning and quick stint in the airfryer is all tofu needs to be transformed into a no-fuss main dish. Serve in tacos, over salad, or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Vegan Egg Salad
vegan, vegetarian, 15-minutes
A plant-based "egg salad" that's briny, creamy and so satisfying! This vegan egg salad is made with chunks of firm tofu, vegan mayo, turmeric and mustard.
Spicy Tofu Burgers
vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free
This tofu veggie burger can stand up to any meat-based burger. It's made with crumbled tofu, lemongrass, sriracha, and fresh herbs, there's no doubt, this burger is packed with flavor.
Umami Bomb Tofu
vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, 15-minutes
Gorgeously glazed chunks of tofu that are perfect served over any fluffy grain, saucy noodles, or stir fried veggies. This recipe comes together quickly and can easy be made into a full meal with the addition of a grain and veggie.
Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps | Copycat PF Changs | Well Plated by Erin
vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, 25 minutes
A healthier version of the beloved lettuce wraps from PF Changs! Savory, crunchy and satisfying.
Tofu Scramble
vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, 10-minutes
A plant-based option to classic scrambled eggs. Healthy and flavorful, this scrambled tofu is delicious serve with avocado, salsa, black beans, and veggies. Serve with breakfast potatoes or tortillas on the side.
Tofu Satay With Peanut Sauce
vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free option, 30-minutes
A vegetarian take on classic satay. Marinated and grilled until charred, the flavorful tofu is then served with a delicious peanut sauce. Serve as a main dish or healthy appetizer.
General Tso's Tofu
vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, 20-minutes
Crispy, saucy, falvor-packed tofu! This is the perfect weeknight meal when served over rice or noodles.
One Pot Vegan Coconut Curried Brown Rice with Tofu
vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free
An all-in-one meal we are loving! Great for meal prep and feeding a crew, this tofu and rice dish is brimming with warm flavors and comforting textures.
Crispy Sesame Tofu
vegetarian, gluten-free
Nutty, savory, and sweet, this sesame-crusted tofu is the ultimate weeknight dinner. This quick-cooking and healthy tofu is great served over rice and edamame with a little soy sauce and wasabi.
Homemade Miso Soup
gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan
Authentic Miso Soup! Cozy, comforting and incredibly good for you. It's quick and easy to make and is totally versatile.
Mapo Tofu
gluten-free (use GF soy sauce), 30-minutes
A Japanese-style Mapo Tofu consisting of silken tofu, ground pork (or beef), fermented broad beans, garlic and ginger. This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and less spicy than the traditional Sichuan version.
This article was originally published on June 30, 2021.
